IDF 'Not Waiting' for Islamic Jihad to Decide Next Move

Israel is not waiting for the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization to decide the next move, says IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai.

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Chana Ya'ar, 30/10/11 16:46

Rocket victim evacuated Satrurday night

Israel news photo: Flash 90

The IDF is not waiting for Gaza terrorists to decide on the next move on the military chessboard, says IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai.

The army “wasn't waiting for a decision” when the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization allegedly agreed to a ceasefire, he said. When Israeli fighter pilots spotted terrorists preparing a fresh attack in violation of that very agreement within a few hours, the IDF was ready with an air strike to stop them in their tracks.

Mordechai told reporters that IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz has ordered the military to prepare a variety of responses to the rocket and mortar attacks, in answer to a request by the government.

“We have pinpoint plans to strike at the terrorist infrastructure, and more,” Gantz told reporters. “Up to this point, the IDF has damaged Islamic Jihad's rocket production and launching infrastructure – and also taken out one of their senior members who was responsible for these activities.”

The spokesman said the Chief of Staff has received real-time updates throughout the day on all operating defense systems, both in the air and on the ground.

Gantz has personally approved a number of operations designed to intensify Israel's response to the attacks emanating from Gaza, he said.

At least 39 rockets and mortars were fired at southern Israel over the weekend, killing a 56-year-old Ashkelon man and wounding 16 other people, including a young girl and a baby. In addition, 14 people were sent to hospitals suffering with severe anxiety attacks and from trauma.